Sports
In a dramatic NCAA Final Four matchup, the Duke Blue Devils saw their championship aspirations dashed by the Houston Cougars, falling 70-67.
The game, played on April 5, 2025, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, was marked by a significant second-half turnaround and a controversial foul call in the final seconds.
Duke, led by standout freshman Cooper Flagg, appeared in control with a commanding 14-point lead midway through the second half.
However, Houston‘s resilience shone through as they orchestrated a remarkable comeback, capitalizing on Duke‘s offensive stagnation. The Blue Devils managed just one field goal in the last 10 minutes, allowing the Cougars to claw back into contention.
Controversial Foul Call Shifts Momentum
With Duke holding a slim 67-66 advantage and under 20 seconds remaining, sophomore guard Tyrese Proctor was sent to the free-throw line for a one-and-one opportunity. Proctor missed the initial attempt, leading to a scramble for the rebound.
In the ensuing tussle, Flagg was whistled for an over-the-back foul on Houston‘s J’Wan Roberts. The call was met with immediate disbelief from players, commentators, and fans alike.
One announcer remarked, “That’s a play-on to me,” while another concurred, “I agree.” Roberts capitalized on the opportunity, sinking both free throws to give Houston a 68-67 lead.
Duke had a final chance to reclaim the lead. After advancing the ball past midcourt and calling a timeout, head coach Jon Scheyer designed a play for Flagg. The freshman’s turnaround jumper, however, fell short.
Houston secured the rebound, drew a foul, and added two more points from the charity stripe, sealing their victory and a spot in the national championship game.
Cooper Flagg Reflects on the Season
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Flagg chose to focus on the positives during the post-game press conference.
He expressed gratitude for the journey, stating, “Yeah, I mean, it was an incredible season. Incredible people, I mean, good relationships that I am gonna have for the rest of my life. (It) didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but still an incredible year.”
Flagg‘s freshman campaign was nothing short of stellar. Averaging 18.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, he played a pivotal role in Duke‘s deep tournament run.
His performances have solidified his status as a top prospect for the upcoming NBA Draft, with many projections placing him as the potential number one overall pick.
As the Blue Devils process this defeat, attention turns to the future. With Flagg‘s anticipated departure to the NBA, Duke will look to regroup and build upon the experiences of this season.
Meanwhile, Houston advances to the national championship, carrying the momentum of their impressive comeback and the confidence gained from overcoming a formidable opponent.
This news was originally published on this post .
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